TowRig.com - Diesel Discussion and Tow Tech

I picked up this baby from a guy in Vegas. This is where the fun began...

1. Started stalling on the way out of town. The guys mechanic determined shorting caused by spark plug wires melted by headers.
Replaced them good enough to get back to Arizona.

2. Failed emissions. They were unable to reach the tailpipes. They turned down right in front of the rear axle. When asked if anything else was needed, the response was.."we can't tell you that without the emissions test. The office lady informed me the vehicle needs cats...2 of them since I had headers and dual exhaust.

625.00 later....new exhaust....it failed emissions. A mechanic asked me the ultimate question..."Where is the O2 sensor?"

3. A trip back to the welding shop, 25.00 and a fitting made on the header, the mechanic added the O2 sensor. 185.00 later it passed better than a new car.

4. Try to find 1 set of wires that work on a 454 with headers. Standard 90 degree wires touch the headers on 4 of the plugs. Combined straight (4 plugs) and 90 degree wires(4 plugs) 45.00....worked great.

5. Idiot burned out the fuel pump on right tank. I will be replacing. Should not have filled up that tank! My bad.

6. Removed all signs shown in the photo as well as vinyl stars...Don't ask.

End result... Priceless! I love this truck. Even with the fuss I could not find one in Arizona for the price.

I love them trucks, congrats! Whats your future plans for it?

I plan on replacing the PS pump as well as the window motors and upholstery. The engine has a lot of power, tranny and rearend are in good shape. The brakes are finished. It has no rust and frame is straight.

I am hoping to find a good fifth wheel, about a 28 ft. My goal is to have about 7k into both total.

I have gotten more crap about the white body color with the red hood and rear fenders. I would like to think these guys are just jealous. I told them a real man can do three things...carry your wifes purse, pick up sanitary napkins if it is on the shopping list, and drive a real truck like this!
I was bluffing of course...but they didn't know that.

I have decided against the gooseneck ball. Before anyone gets angry, let me explain. I have used the fifth wheel hitch for 30 years. That is my only reason.

Here are a few more pics. I will post more once the truck is cleaned up.

Looks like a good solid truck. I hope to one day have one that I can drop in a 12v cummins motor into.

Congradulations on the good find ! waytogo

Nice truck, square bodies rock!:pimp:

Since this is a 2 wheel drive (R3500) and not a 4 wheel drive (V3500), anybody have some pointers as to what I should be investing in for add ons? This has the 454 with the automatic.

My plan is to get a 28 foot fifth wheel. Any of you think that is too little (or too much) for this truck? We plan on going into the mountains in Northern AZ. I had a Dodge 1 ton DRW, manual transmission with overdrive and a 383 Magnum in the mid 70's. I used it to pull a 30 foot fifth wheel and did not seem to have any problems....slow through the mountains but dependable.

I appreciate any assistance. I asked my friends the same questions and was given the "should have gotten a diesel"! Grew up on a farm..like diesels but just did not fit in my price range. Not an apology but rather an explanation.

I have looked at the trucks and realized that the newer diesels really are nice. I drove a duramax my boss has (chipped) and realized things have changed since the old farm days!

Thanks in advance for any ideas-

Tim

Only things I would suggest are, chip, spacer, headers and good exhaust. Maybe a rear locker if you are going to keeping it out of the snow.

The first upgrade would need to be a monster trans cooler. My 88 r3500 only had the one in the radiator. I installed a monster B&M on my truck it works great i can send you pic if you like.
Eldogg

Nice score. I love that body style CC. I'll second the aftermarket trans cooler. I put a high flow water pump on the 88 I had. It worked well in the summer.

I appreciate the help I have received so far. I sure love this truck. Fuel prices have hit 2.99 and I have received more crap from people. I live 2 miles from work. They live 30 miles.....I put fuel in every 2 weeks or so. All I have to say is "hahahahahahahahaha". I drove all weekend in town, kept at speed limit, did not kick it down and my gauge did not move. Again..."hahahahahahaha" to them.